P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-1-14

by wcdonews Posted on May 1, 2014

“The Future Of Talent” 2-day workshop & performance will run Friday & Saturday at the Foothills performing Arts Center in Oneonta, for young people who would like to showcase their talent in front of talent evaluators out of New York City & Los Angeles. Tara Judd of Triple Threat Talent explains:

 

(Tara Judd 5-1-14)

 

Judd said that there is a chance for last minute entries to participate, they can register through Triple Threat Talent Tour.Com. Tickets for the performances are available at 431-2080 or at foothillspac.org.

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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to require railroads to provide detailed information about hazardous materials to local emergency responders, while Governor Cuomo sent a letter to President Obama outlining steps compiled by state agencies to reduce the dangers oil trains pose. Both of those requests came before a CSX train carrying crude oil derailed and caught fire in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia yesterday, forcing evacuations of residents and office workers.   Cuomo has been calling for increase transparency with regards to crude oil shipments by rail since a North Dakota train explosion earlier this year.

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This past winter create a large number of large potholes, which has contributed to complaints of damaged tires and rims on many vehicles. Between today and November 15th, motorists who have hit a pothole had damage, can seek reimbursement from the state for repairs. The state does have legal immunity for pothole claims during the winter season, so the claims can only apply to damage caused on state roadways outside of the winter season. More Information is available at dot.ny.gov.

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Governor Cuomo announced $794 million for child-care subsidies for this year. Child-care subsidies are available for eligible families to pay for services to enable a parent or caretaker to work. Each year, local social service agencies distribute the funding. Eligible families are awarded funding based on family size, income and the reason for care. To be eligible for assistance a family of two must have an income below $30,360 annually. A family of five must have an income below $54,000. Go to ocfs.ny.gov

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 20-year-old Vincent Brower of Smyrna, on charges of Forgery, Escape, and Criminal Contempt & Resisting Arrest. Brower is accused of altering a prescription and having the prescription filled in Sherburne. Brower is also facing the other charges due to an incident during his arraignment on the Forgery charge. Brower faces court action shortly.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Amanda Sgroi and 18 year old Daniel Brown Jr. of Otselic, on animal cruelty charges. The pair is accused of leaving animals caged in their residence for several days without food or water. All animals were seized and relocated at a local animal rescue. Sgroi and Brown were released on appearance tickets until a later Court date.

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New Yorkers with higher electric bills have complained to State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, after many New Yorkers saw increases of 60 to 75%. Schneiderman said that the National Grid had increased demands to electricity during the harsh winter, he is advising New Yorkers to who are struggling to pay those bills to contact the power company to set up a payment plan. State law allows for consumers to spread out bills in monthly installments for up to one year, alleviating some of the financial strain.

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A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-1-14

by wcdonews Posted on May 1, 2014

The 2014 spring turkey season opens today in all counties north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary.   Approximately 100,000 turkey hunters will participate according to DEC Officials, Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license or hunting license, Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day. Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird at 1-866-426-3778 or at dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

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In 2012, the Village of Franklin was awarded funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s New York Main Street program to rehabilitate buildings within the community’s historic business district. The target area for this program is comprised of the buildings between Maple Street and Water Street, along State Highway 357. The program provides grant funds to commercial building owners within the target area, $24,000 in grant funds remain available to building owners within this community, Applications will be accepted through today for eligible projects that can be completed no later than June 30, 2014.

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The Otsego County Planning Department announced schedule changes at the Oneonta & Cooperstown Transfer Stations. The Oneonta transfer station will be open Monday through Fridays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturdays 8:00 AM to noon. The Cooperstown Transfer station will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:00 am to 12:00 Noon and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon. Saturday hours will change from Memorial Day though Labor Day & for Saturdays after Holidays, with the Hours from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at both locations. More information is available at 547-4225.

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Motorists are advised that State Route 17 westbound between Mygatt Street and the Glenwood Avenue in Binghamton will be reduced to one lane of travel beginning at 8 a.m. today.  Crews will be placing the concrete deck on the bridge over the Prospect Connector Road. This portion of work is expected to be completed by 3 p.m., weather permitting.

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The 63rd Annual “National Day Of Prayer” Rally will be held today, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the East Side Park in Downtown Norwich. The event is sponsored by Norwich Tea Party Patriots.

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The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Board of Education Meeting today in the Guilford Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

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P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-30-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 30, 2014

Binghamton fire fighters responded to a 2-alarm blaze at the Ellis Brothers Furniture Store on Water Street. Area businesses have been evacuated, and Binghamton High School classes were cancelled at 10:30 this morning due to poor air quality downtown. Binghamton Police closed down Court Street from Front Street to State Street. Water Street is closed from Court to Henry streets.

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38-year-old Ganesh Ramsaran will stand trial for murder in Chenango County court in September. Jury selection will start September 2, Ramsaran was arrested for 2nd degree murder for the death of his wife Jennifer, who was reported missing in December of 2012, her body was found several months later in a wooded areas in the town of Pharsalia.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli proposed legislation to help ensure that contractors doing business with state agencies are held to high ethical standards while performing important governmental services. The Comptroller’s proposal would establish clear nondisclosure standards for contractors in order to protect the public interest, and subject many state contractors to ethics provisions similar to those of state employees. The legislation can be accessed at osc.state.ny.us.

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Changes may be coming to promote family farms being passed down to the next generation, with prohibitive costs heaped on to those who inherit a family farm. Assemblyman Bill Magee explains:

 

(Bill Magee)

 

Magee said that the price of milk paid to dairy farmers is favorable currently, demand remains high for liquid one milk as New York continues to be number 1 in production for Greek Yogurt.

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Governor Cuomo announced that for the first time in 14 years, New York State would increase funding for the maximum Tuition Assistance Program award. With this increase, New York State has allocated more than $1 billion for grants and scholarships for New York students who pursue higher education at a public or private college in the State. Last year, TAP served nearly 400,000 students across the State.

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New York’s education policymakers agreed to temporarily ease certification  requirements for new teachers, after a number of colleges and labor unions raised concerns about a new exam. The state Board of Regents voted to allow teaching hopefuls, who fail New York’s new teacher performance assessment, to receive their initial 5-year certification, but only if they pass a separate written exam. The eased requirements would only be in effect for those who take the exam before the end of June 2015. The board also approved the creation of a taskforce to review the handbook, review materials for the exam and recommend ways to improve it.

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New York has raised the state’s maximum college tuition grant for the coming academic year to $5,165. The $165 increase is the first in 14 years. Nearly 400,000 state residents received Tuition Assistance Program awards last year. They can be used for higher education at public or independent colleges or universities in New York. In the 2012-2013 academic year, more than 372,000 New Yorkers got $931 million in tuition assistance program funds, averaging $3,049 per student.

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Gun control advocates are urging New York lawmakers to require firearm owners to securely store their weapons. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence called on lawmakers to pass legislation mandating guns be stored in a safe or equipped with a gunlock. Another proposal would require all semi-automatic handguns, sold in the state, to be equipped with a device that stamps a unique code into a shell casing each time the gun is fired, making it easier for authorities to track guns used in shootings. Lawmakers passed the SAFE act, which bans the sale of many semi-automatic weapons and requires registration.

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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 4-30-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 30, 2014

Governor Cuomo announced that during the 8-day “Speed Week”, troopers issued a total of 24,354 traffic tickets, including 10,890 speeding tickets, an increase of more than 2,000 from the previous year. During the 5-day “Operation Hang-Up” period from April 10th through April 15th, Troopers issued 2,315 tickets for talking on a hand-held phone while driving and 1,156 tickets for texting or operating other hand held electronics while the vehicle was in motion.
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Organizers of the Local Government Efficiency Meeting, the Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council & Citizens Voices announced that they are between expecting 75 to 100 registrants for the presentation on May 6th.   The event will begin at 1:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta; officials scheduled to attend and participate include 3 small city mayors, 7 school district superintendents, 7 members of local County Boards, 12 representatives from area town councils among many others.

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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-29-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 29, 2014

Negotiations are underway this week that could lead to advanced educational opportunities coming to Sidney.  Utica School Of Commerce vice President Don Reese Explains:

 

(Don Reese 4-29-14)

 

Reese said that should the negotiations this week end favorably, classes could begin as early as the first week of June at a Sidney Location.

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This Friday Night, the 10th annual Tri-Town relay For Life will be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  Helen Gregory of the American cancer Society told WCDO News about this year’s event:

 

(Helen Gregory 4-29-14)

 

The event runs Friday night through Saturday morning, this year’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the American cancer society.

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The state Senate passed legislation to increase the criminal penalties of some methamphetamine-related crimes. The bill passed by a vote of 55 to 4, if enacted; it would toughen criminal penalties for possessing meth-making materials and for making meth. The same bill passed the senate last year, but failed to pass in the Assembly.

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The State Senate passed legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from driving a school or passenger bus. Under the bill, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be barred from issuing, or renewing a commercial driver’s license, to operate a bus to people who are required to register as a sex offender. The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

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New York environmental officials are looking for citizen scientists to help them assess water quality. The state DEC is recruiting volunteers to help with assessments of Lake Ontario and the Niagara, Genesee, Delaware, Hudson and Mohawk River watersheds. Data from the Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators project enhances the work of state scientists creating an inventory of water quality. Volunteer monitors visit stream sites once a year in the warmer months to collect samples. Training sessions are being held around upstate areas in May and June. More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

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Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York State is being observed through May 3rd, in support of a national effort to strengthen preparation for the potential of emergencies caused by extreme weather events. New Yorkers should prepare to take appropriate steps before a severe weather event. There are three basic steps to preparedness, make a plan, prepare a kit with supplies and be informed.  For more information on personal preparedness in advance of severe weather, visit dhses.ny.gov.  For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, including daily public information statements, visit nws.noaa.gov.

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The 6th Annual Hall of Fame Classic will be played Saturday, May 24th  & will feature representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Hall of Fame members Roberto Alomar, Andre Dawson, Rollie Fingers, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro and Ozzie Smith will serve as managers and coaches for the Memorial Day Weekend.  Former big league stars like Edgardo Alfonzo, Pedro Martinez, Hideki Matsui and Jim Thome are scheduled to participate in the Classic, The Cooperstown Game Day Parade, More information is available at baseballhall.org or 1-888-HALL-OF-FAME.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-29-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 29, 2014

Governor Cuomo launched Round 4 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off the 2014 competition for up to $750 million in economic development resources. The Applications will be available on May 1st enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance for job creating, community development projects. Local efforts have worked well, with the Southern Tier REDC receiving $222.4 million for 207 projects, Central New York REDC receiving $264.4 million for 226 projects.   More information is available at regionalcouncils.ny.gov. The deadline for applications is June 16th.

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State police from Norwich arrested Green Police Chief Steven Dutcher for Petty Larceny and Harassment.  This arrest occurred after responding to a request by the Village of Greene regarding missing Village property, Dutcher was arraigned by the Town of Oxford and released on his own recognizance.  The investigation is continuing and the public is requested to contact the New York State Police at Sidney at 561-7400 with any relevant information in this case.

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A second raccoon has tested positive this year for rabies in Delaware County. A dog owner in the Bloomville reported that her dog and the raccoon were fighting, which resulted in the death of the raccoon. The raccoon was sent to State Rabies Laboratory for testing.   There was no human exposure & the dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and was given a booster after the incident. To report a suspected rabid animal or for more information on rabies, residents can call Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200. More information is also available at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will host the 4 Chamber Mixer tonight in Sidney. The event will run from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Angus and Ale on Main Street,

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P.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-28-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 28, 2014

A Norwich woman was arrested on drug nuisance charges for allegedly using her home as a gathering point for drug dealing. Norwich police arrested 46-year-old Barbara Palmer, after an investigation conducted with assistance of state police, Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Palmer was charged with a felony count of first-degree criminal nuisance, along with misdemeanor counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. She was held for arraignment in Norwich City Court.

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Governor Cuomo is making a long-term, $1 billion investment to expand solar power over the next decade. The investment will help the state’s solar power industry to move away from government subsidies. The money is part of the NY-Sun initiative, run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which is funded mostly through assessments on utilities. Cuomo’s office said the state has more than 400 solar power companies that together employ 5,000 workers.

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State attorney general Eric Schneiderman said 9% of New York’s residential mortgages, representing nearly 225,000 families, are in distress, meaning at least 90 days delinquent. More than 42,000 are a year behind. Schneiderman said funding for a network of counselors, and legal help for troubled homeowners, will increase $10 million to $30 million for the year. New York’s foreclosure rate remains 5.8 percent, nearly three times the national average.

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A new report on high school graduation rates shows 77% of New York State’s Class of 2012 graduated on time, slightly below the national average, according to a report by foundations including the America’s Promise Alliance, which is headed by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. New York ranks 34th in the nation for students graduating on time. The national rate is 80%.

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The Amphenol Construction project continues to move ahead.  Project Manager Tom Czernicki told WCDO News where they are:

 

(Tom Czernicki 4-28-14)

 

Czernicki said that getting a roof on the main structure before the harsh winter hit, helped to keep them on schedule.

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The Oneonta city department of public service will be flushing hydrants this week.  Affected areas include west Street, north of Clinton Street, Bugbee Road west of Crestmont Terrace, as well as streets in the vicinity of the SUNY Campus.  Residents may experience low water pressure or a change in water color during those times; work is expected to be completed by Wednesday. More information is available at 432-2100.

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A new regulation that prohibits hunting or trapping of free-ranging Eurasian boars was formally adopted BY state DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. The regulation is designed to ensure maximum effectiveness of DEC’s statewide eradication efforts. Wild boars have been confirmed to be breeding in 6 counties, Including Delaware County.  The DEC is working with the USDA’s Wildlife Services program to remove any Eurasian boars that are reported in New York.   To date, more than 150 animals have been captured and destroyed.  Officials said that hunters with baited traps can undermine state & federal efforts to eradicate the boars.

 

 

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A.M. NEWS MONDAY 4-28-14

by wcdonews Posted on April 28, 2014

State Police, responded to a report of an Attempted Robbery at Otsego Auto Crushers in Davenport, the investigation lead to the arrest of 23 year old Johnathan Lynn of East Meredith for Attempted Robbery in the 3rd Degree & Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument.  Lynn was arraigned in the Town of Davenport Court on those charges and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $15,000 cash bail.  Further investigation revealed that Lynn was also accused of the Robberies at the Convenience Express in Oneonta on April 19th & the Oneonta Arby’s robbery April 24th.  Additional charges of 2 counts of 2nd degree Robbery are pending in the Town of Oneonta Court.

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Oneonta Police arrested 53 year old Robert Donaldson of Delhi for 3rd degree Grand Larceny, 1st degree Perjury, & Fraudulent Insurance Practices.   The arrest was the result of a combined investigation by the City of Oneonta Police Department Detectives Bureau, New York State Insurance Fund Investigators and New York State Workers Compensation Board Office of the Fraud Inspector General.  Donaldson is accused of receiving benefits from the workers compensation board while being employed & for making false testimony on his wages.  Donaldson was arraigned in the City of Oneonta Court and remanded to the Otsego County Jail without bail, pending future court action.

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State Senator Jim Seward is hosting the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction on today in Oneonta.  The forum is 1 of 12 statewide to solicit local input on the rise in use of heroin and other opioids in New York State and develop recommendations for treating and preventing addiction.  The public forum will take place today from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hunt Union Ballroom on the campus of SUNY-Oneonta.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reported that a calf has tested positive for rabies, in the town of Pittsfield.  Officials said that no one was bitten by the calf, but several people came into contact with the calf, and have started rabies treatments. The health department has set up a rabies clinic on Wednesday May 7th in Neawha Park

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Mirabito Convenience stores announced the acquisition of all 17 Manley’s Mighty-Mart locations.  Manley’s locations included Binghamton, Endicott, Endwell, Vestal, Johnson City, Windsor, Ithaca and Glen Aubrey.  Mirabito’s operates 57 Mirabito Convenience Stores, Convenience Express, and Quickway Food Store locations throughout central New York.

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